Home > First private law firm devoted to LGBT community opens in Louisiana

First private law firm devoted to LGBT community opens in Louisiana

By smorgan

Created 09/06/2013 - 1:00pm

POSTED: Friday, September 6, 2013 - 1:00pm

UPDATED: Friday, September 6, 2013 - 4:08pm

NEW ORLEANS, LA (WGNO-CNN) — There's a new law firm in New Orleans, and it's not your traditional law firm. It's the first private law firm to focus on the legal needs of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered community.

Pride is the best word to describe Delaney & Robb Attorneys at Law, LLC.

"Serving our community with pride. This is the key to what we want to do."

Ryan Delaney decided to start the firm, and he called up his old college buddy, Brandon Robb who he went to Loyola University with. They decided to embark on the new venture together.

"We opened trying to do practical needs for the LGBT communit. Things like estate planning, family law, situations that same-sex couples may have," Robb said.

"It was kind of risky in a way, but you don't know what the community's reaction will be," Delaney said.

Being the first private law firm in the state of Louisiana to primarily focus on the legal needs of gays and lesbians, although risky is something they are both proud of.

"By marketing ourselves like that right away, it instantly makes people in the LGBT community feel like we understand them and what they are going through."

Louisiana doesn't recognize marriage equality for gays and lesbians. Both Delaney & Robb feel their job is even more important.

"It's important to me as a gay individual that I'm treated as fair and equal as possible," Robb said.

Both Delaney and Robb are openly gay. Brandon's married and Ryan is in a relationship. They feel their story makes them more approachable.

"We hope to change the hearts and minds of people by being open," Delaney said.

Although their focus is on the needs of the LGBT community, they don't turn anyone away, regardless of age, race, gender, or sexual orientation.

"We want people to know that we are here for the needs of everyone, no matter who, gay or straight, or whoever you may be."

Stepping out of the box and doing something they truly believe in is why they do it.

"The traditional parts are more scary. Being who we are and promoting what we're doing is the easy part," Delaney said.

People are noticing the pride they have for themselves and their new business.

"The response has been incredible. We get a lot of people saying they are proud of what we're doing."